CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Description
[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a device and method for attaching a stomal
sleeve to a stoma and, more particularly, to method of attaching a stomal sleeve to
a stoma using a circular stapling device.
2. Background of Related Art
[0003] During an ostomy procedure, a bisected portion of an intestine is secured to an exterior
surface of the abdominal wall to provide internal access into the intestine for collecting
fecal matter. The exteriorization of the intestine is called a stoma. Ostomy procedures
include ileostomies and colostomies. In an ileostomy procedure, an end of the ileum
(i.e., small intestine) is pulled through the abdominal wall and is flared outwardly
and sutured to the skin, leaving a smooth, rounded, inside-out ileum as the stoma.
In a colostomy procedure, an end or portion of the colon is pulled through the abdominal
wall and flared outwardly and fastened (e.g., stitched) to the skin of the patient
to form a stoma.
[0004] Ostomy surgery is sometimes performed on an emergency basis due to diverticulitis,
trauma, radiation complications, volvulus, necrotic bowel, bowel perforation, etc.
Children and adults alike may require an ostomy. An ostomy may only be temporary to
allow for healing of the bowel or a decrease of inflammation at the surgical site.
In some instances an ostomy may be permanent.
[0005] Typically, an ostomy bag is secured to the stoma to collect fecal matter from the
intestine. If the fecal matter leaks and/or contacts the skin of a patient defining
the stoma, the patient's skin can become irritated and/or infected causing the patient
pain and discomfort. As such, a need exists for a surgical instrument and method for
bypassing an area adjacent the stoma to minimize contact between the patient's skin
and fecal matter being collected in the ostomy bag.
SUMMARY
[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a stapling device includes a tool assembly
having an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly has an anvil shaft
and an anvil head having an annular configuration supported on the anvil shaft. The
anvil head defines a first tissue contact surface and includes an annular array of
staple deforming pockets positioned about the first tissue contacting surface. The
shell assembly has a staple cartridge including a second tissue contact surface having
an annular array of staple receiving pockets. The tool assembly is movable from an
unapproximated position in which the anvil assembly is spaced from the staple cartridge
to an approximated position in which the tissue contacting surfaces of the anvil assembly
and the staple cartridge are in closer juxtaposed alignment. A stomal sleeve has a
tubular configuration, a first end portion secured to the first tissue contacting
surface of the anvil head radially inwardly of the annular array of staple deforming
pockets, and a second end portion secured to a distal surface of the anvil head.
[0007] In embodiments, the cartridge assembly includes an annular knife that is movable
from a retracted position recessed within the staple cartridge to an advanced position
in contact with the anvil head.
[0008] In some embodiments, in the advanced position of the annular knife, the annular knife
is positioned to engage the first end portion of the stomal sleeve.
[0009] In certain embodiments, the second end portion of the stomal sleeve is closed.
[0010] In embodiments, the first end portion of the stomal sleeve defines an opening.
[0011] In some embodiments, the stomal sleeve is formed from a non-degradable, bio-compatible,
pliable material.
[0012] In certain embodiments, the stomal sleeve is formed from a polymeric material.
[0013] In embodiments, the first and second end portions of the stomal sleeve are secured
to the anvil head using an adhesive.
[0014] In another aspect of the disclosure, a method of attaching a stomal sleeve to a stoma
using a circular stapling device includes inserting a tool assembly of the circular
stapling device into the stoma with a stomal sleeve attached to an anvil assembly
of the tool assembly, wherein the stomal sleeve has a first end portion connected
to a first tissue contact surface of the anvil assembly and a second end portion attached
to a distal face of an anvil head of the anvil assembly; positioning dermal and intestinal
tissue into a tissue gap defined between a staple cartridge of a shell assembly of
the tool assembly and the anvil assembly; approximating the shell assembly of the
tool assembly with the anvil assembly to clamp the dermal and intestinal tissue between
the shell and anvil assemblies; firing the circular stapling device to secure the
first end portion of the stomal sleeve to the dermal and intestinal tissue; withdrawing
the circular stapling device from the stoma to withdraw a second end portion of the
stomal sleeve from the stoma; and disengaging the second end portion of the stomal
sleeve from the anvil head of the anvil assembly such that the second end portion
of the stomal sleeve is positioned externally of the stoma.
[0015] In embodiments, the method includes detaching the stomal sleeve from the tissue contact
surface of the anvil assembly.
[0016] In embodiments, detaching the stomal sleeve from the tissue contact surface of the
anvil is effected by an annular knife of the shell assembly.
[0017] In embodiments, the method includes cutting the second end portion of the stomal
sleeve to separate the second end portion of the stomal sleeve from the anvil assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Various embodiments of the presently disclosed stapling device and method for attaching
a stomal sleeve to a stoma are described herein below with reference to the drawings,
wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the presently disclosed surgical
stapling device supporting a stomal sleeve on an anvil assembly of the stapling device;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view taken along section line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 3A is a side view of the stomal sleeve of the surgical stapling device of FIG.
1;
FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a stoma of a bowel extending through an opening
in an abdomen of a patient;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1 inserted
into the stoma of FIG. 5 prior to full approximation of the stapling device with the
stomal sleeve extending from the anvil assembly into the intestine/colon of the patient;
FIG. 7 is side cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1 inserted
into the stoma of FIG. 5 with the stapling device in an approximated and fired condition
and the stomal sleeve extending from the anvil assembly into the intestine/colon of
the patient;
FIG. 8 is side cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1 as the
stapling device is withdrawn from the stoma of FIG. 7 after the stapling device is
fired with the stomal sleeve attached to the anvil assembly and extending from the
stoma of the patient; and
FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the stomal sleeve extending from the stoma of
the patient after the stomal sleeve is cut and separated from the anvil assembly;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0019] The presently disclosed device and method for attaching a stomal sleeve to a stoma
will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings in which like reference
numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views.
In this description, the term "proximal" is used generally to refer to that portion
of the device that is closer to a clinician, while the term "distal" is used generally
to refer to that portion of the device that is farther from the clinician. In addition,
the term clinician is used generally to refer to medical personnel including surgeons,
doctors, nurses, and support personnel.
[0020] The presently disclosed stapling device has a stomal sleeve secured to an anvil assembly
of the stapling device. The stapling device includes a tool assembly having an annular
cartridge, an annular anvil assembly that is movable in relation to the annular cartridge
between unapproximated and approximated positions, and an annular knife that is moveable
into the anvil assembly to cut tissue and disengage one end of the stomal sleeve from
attachment with the anvil assembly when the stapling device is fired. The anvil assembly
includes an anvil head that defines a tissue contact surface. The stomal sleeve has
a tubular configuration having a first end portion secured to the tissue contact surface
of the anvil head and a second end portion secured to a distal face of the anvil head.
[0021] The presently disclosed method of attaching a stomal sleeve to a stoma includes inserting
the tool assembly of the stapling device into the stoma with the stomal sleeve attached
to the anvil assembly; positioning dermal and intestinal tissue into a tissue gap
defined between the cartridge and anvil assemblies; approximating the cartridge and
anvil assemblies to clamp the dermal and intestinal tissue between the cartridge and
anvil assemblies; firing the stapling device to secure the first end portion of the
stomal sleeve to the dermal and intestinal tissue; withdrawing the stapling device
from the stoma to withdraw the second end portion of the stomal sleeve from the stoma;
and disengaging the second end portion of the stomal sleeve from the anvil head of
the anvil assembly such that the second end portion of the stomal sleeve is positioned
externally of the stoma.
[0022] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference
to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments
are merely examples of the disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. Well-known
functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present
disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details
disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for
the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ
the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, the presently disclosed device for attaching a stomal sleeve
to a stoma is identified in the figures generally as 10 and includes a handle assembly
12, an elongated body portion 14, and a tool assembly 16. The tool assembly 16 includes
an annular shell assembly 18 having an annular staple cartridge 18a and an annular
anvil assembly 20 that are movable in relation to each other between an unapproximated
or spaced position and an approximated position. The handle assembly 12 includes an
approximation knob 22 that is actuable to move the anvil assembly 20 in relation to
the cartridge assembly 18 between the spaced and approximated positions to clamp tissue
and a firing trigger 24 that is actuable to fire staples 26 (FIG. 3) from the staple
cartridge 18a into tissue and to advance an annular knife 28 (FIG. 3) into the anvil
assembly 20. For a detailed description of an exemplary stapling device suitable for
use for attaching a stomal sleeve to a stoma, see
U.S. Patent No. 7,857,187 ("the '187 Patent") which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0024] Although the presently disclosed stapling device 10 is shown and described as being
a manually powered device, it is envisioned that the stapling device 10 can be an
electrically powered device such as described in
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0253329 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the anvil assembly 20 includes an anvil shaft 30 (FIG.
3) and an anvil head 32 secured to a distal portion of the anvil shaft 30. The anvil
head 32 has a distally facing surface 32a and is attached to a distal portion of the
anvil shaft 30 as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the anvil head 32 can be pivotally
attached to the distal portion of the anvil shaft 30 such as described in the '187
Patent. A proximal end of the anvil shaft 30 is connected to an approximation mechanism
of the device 10. The anvil shaft 30 can be fixedly connected to the approximation
mechanism of the device 10 as shown, or, in the alternative, the anvil shaft 30 can
be removably connected to the approximation mechanism of the device 10, as described
in the '187 Patent. For a more detailed description of the interconnection between
the anvil shaft and the approximation mechanism of the device 10, see the '187 Patent.
[0026] The anvil head 32 defines a first annular tissue contact surface 36 that includes
a plurality of staple deforming pockets 38. The staple deforming pockets 38 (FIG.
3) are disposed in an annular array about the first annular tissue contact surface
36. The staple cartridge 18a includes a second annular tissue contact surface 40 and
includes a plurality of staple pockets 42. The staple pockets 42 are positioned in
an annular array about the second tissue contact surface 40 and receive staples 44.
The cartridge assembly 18 also includes the annular knife 28 that is positioned to
engage the anvil head 32 within the annular array of staple deforming pockets 38 when
the stapling device is fired as discussed in further detail below. For a more detailed
description of the cartridge and anvil assemblies, see the '187 Patent.
[0027] The anvil head 32 supports a stomal sleeve 50 that has a tubular configuration and
may be formed from a biocompatible, non-degradable, pliable material, e.g., a polymeric
material. In embodiments, the stomal sleeve 50 has a first end portion 52 that is
secured to the first tissue contact surface 36 of the anvil head 32 at a location
radially inwardly of the annular array of staple deforming pockets 38 and a second
end portion 54 that is secured to the distally facing surface 32a of the anvil head
32 such that a central portion 56 of the stomal sleeve 50 is positioned distally of
the second end portion 54 of the stomal sleeve 50. The end portions 52, 54 of the
stomal sleeve can be secured to the anvil head 32 using adhesives or the like. In
embodiments, the first end portion 52 of the stomal sleeve 50 defines an opening 60
(FIG. 3A) and the second end portion 54 is closed. It is envisioned that both of the
first and second end portions 52, 54 of the stomal sleeve 50 can initially define
an opening or be closed.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, during formation of a stoma 70, a vessel portion, e.g.,
small or large intestine or colon "IC", is pulled through an incision "I" (FIG. 5)
in the abdominal wall "AW" and is everted outwardly and secured to an outer surface
of the skin "S", leaving a smooth, rounded, everted vessel portion as the stoma 70.
An ostomy bag (not shown) is secured to the stoma 70 to direct fecal matter from within
the vessel portion "IC" into the ostomy bag. Formation of the stoma can be performed
using a variety of techniques and devices and does not form part of the presently
disclosed method. Embodiments of a stapling device and method for forming a stoma
are described in
U.S. Application Serial No. [203-11280] which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 6, after the stoma 70 is created, in order to attach the stomal
sleeve 50 to a position within the vessel portion "IC", the tool assembly 16 of the
stapling device 10 is inserted through the stoma 70 with the cartridge assembly 18
and anvil assembly 20 in an unapproximated position. In this position, the stomal
sleeve 50 is supported on the anvil head 32 and extends into the vessel portion "IC"
distally of the anvil head 32. With the tool assembly 16 positioned within the vessel
portion "IC", tissue including a portion of the vessel portion "IC" is drawn into
the tissue into tissue gap "G" defined between the staple cartridge 18a and the anvil
assembly 20. As discussed above, the stomal sleeve 50 has a first end portion 52 that
is secured to the first tissue contact surface 36 of the anvil head 32 at a location
radially inwardly of the annular array of staple deforming pockets 38 and a second
end portion 54 that is secured to a distal face 32a of the anvil head 32.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 7, after tissue has been drawn into the tissue gap "G" (FIG. 6),
the stapling device 10 is approximated to clamp tissue between the cartridge assembly
18 and the anvil assembly 20. More specifically, when the tool assembly 16 is moved
to the approximated position, tissue including a portion of the vessel portion "IC"
is clamped between the tissue contact surface 36 of the anvil head 32 and the tissue
contact surface 40 of the staple cartridge assembly 18a. As shown, the first end portion
52 of the stomal sleeve 50 is also clamped between the tissue and the contact surface
36 of the anvil head 32.
[0031] When the stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) is fired, a pusher 80 of the stapling device
10 is advanced through the cartridge assembly 18 to drive staples 26 (FIG. 6) from
the staple cartridge 18a through the tissue including the vessel portion "IC". Simultaneously,
the annular knife 28 is advanced towards the anvil head 32 to cut the tissue and the
first end portion 52 of the stomal sleeve 50 radially inwardly of the staple deforming
pockets 38. When the annular knife 28 cuts through the first end portion 52 of the
stomal sleeve 50, the first end portion 52 of the stomal sleeve 50 is separated from
the anvil head 32 and stapled to the vessel portion "IC" and surrounding tissue (FIG.
8).
[0032] Referring to FIG. 8, after the tool assembly 16 of the stapling device 10 is unapproximated
to release the clamped tissue from between the cartridge assembly 18 and the anvil
assembly 20, the stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) can be withdrawn in the direction indicated
by arrows "A" in FIG. 8 to withdraw the tool assembly 16 from the stoma 70. As discussed
above, the second end portion 54 of the stomal sleeve 50 is attached to the distal
face 32a of the anvil head 32. Thus, as the tool assembly 16 is withdrawn from the
stoma 70, the second end portion 54 of the stomal sleeve 50 is pulled through the
stoma 70 to a position externally of the stoma 70 such that the stomal sleeve 50 defines
an internal liner from the stapling location 90 within the vessel portion "IC" through
the stoma 70.
[0033] Referring also to FIG. 10, when the stomal sleeve 50 is positioned externally of
the stoma 50, the second end portion 54 of the stomal sleeve 50 can be separated from
the anvil head 32 to define an opening or mouth 92 adjacent the second end portion
54 of the stomal sleeve 50. In embodiments, the second end portion 54 of the stomal
sleeve 50 is closed and is separated from the anvil head 32 by cutting the second
end portion 54 using a scissor 96 (FIG. 9) along a cut line "CL". As illustrated,
in this position, the stomal sleeve 50 provides an insulative barrier from a position
within the vessel portion "IC" through the stoma 70. It is also envisioned that the
second end portion 54 of the stomal sleeve 50 may define an opening and be secured
to the anvil head 32 by an adhesive. In this embodiment, instead of cutting the second
end portion 54 of the stomal sleeve 50, the second end portion 54 of the stomal sleeve
50 can be separated from the distal surface 32a of the anvil head 32 by pulling the
second end portion 54 in a direction away from the anvil head 32 to disengage the
second end portion 54 from the adhesive on the anvil head 32. Other methods of releasably
securing the second end portion 54 of the stomal sleeve 50 to the anvil head 32 are
envisioned.
[0034] Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically
described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary
embodiments. It is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described
in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and
features of another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As
well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the
disclosure based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the disclosure is
not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated
by the appended claims.
[0035] The invention may be described by reference to the following numbered paragraphs:-
- 1. A stapling device comprising;
a tool assembly including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly, the anvil assembly
having an anvil shaft and an anvil head having an annular configuration supported
on the anvil shaft, the anvil head defining a first tissue contact surface and including
an annular array of staple deforming pockets positioned about the first tissue contacting
surface, the shell assembly including a staple cartridge defining a second tissue
contact surface having an annular array of staple receiving pockets, the tool assembly
being movable from an unapproximated position in which the anvil assembly is spaced
from the staple cartridge to an approximated position in which the tissue contacting
surfaces of the anvil assembly and the staple cartridge are in closer juxtaposed alignment;
and
a stomal sleeve having a tubular configuration, the stomal sleeve having a first end
portion secured to the first tissue contacting surface of the anvil head radially
inwardly of the annular array of staple deforming pockets and a second end portion
secured to a distal surface of the anvil head.
- 2. The stapling device of paragraph 1, wherein the cartridge assembly includes an
annular knife that is movable from a retracted position recessed within the staple
cartridge to an advanced position in contact with the anvil head.
- 3. The stapling device of paragraph 1, wherein in the advanced position of the annular
knife, the annular knife is positioned to engage the stomal sleeve at a location adjacent
the first end portion.
- 4. The stapling device of paragraph 3, wherein the second end portion of the stomal
sleeve is closed.
- 5. The stapling device of paragraph 4, wherein the first end portion of the stomal
sleeve defines an opening.
- 6. The stapling device of paragraph 3, wherein the stomal sleeve is formed from a
non-degradable, bio-compatible, pliable material.
- 7. The stapling device of paragraph 5, wherein the stomal sleeve is formed from a
polymeric material.
- 8. The stapling device of paragraph 6, wherein the first and second end portions of
the stomal sleeve are secured to the anvil head using adhesive.
- 9. A method of attaching a stomal sleeve to a stoma using a circular stapling device
comprising:
inserting a tool assembly of the circular stapling device into a stoma with a stomal
sleeve attached to an anvil assembly of the tool assembly, the stomal sleeve having
a first end portion connected to a tissue contact surface of the anvil assembly and
a second end portion attached to a distal face of an anvil head;
positioning dermal and intestinal tissue into a tissue gap defined between a staple
cartridge of a shell assembly of the tool assembly and the anvil assembly;
approximating the shell assembly of the tool assembly with the anvil assembly to clamp
the dermal and intestinal tissue between the shell and anvil assemblies;
firing the circular stapling device to secure the first end portion of the stomal
sleeve to the dermal and intestinal tissue;
withdrawing the circular stapling device from the stoma to withdraw a second end portion
of the stomal sleeve from the stoma; and
disengaging the second end portion of the stomal sleeve from the anvil head of the
anvil assembly such that the second end of the stomal sleeve is positioned externally
of the stoma.
- 10. The method according to paragraph 9, further including detaching the stomal sleeve
from the tissue contact surface of the anvil assembly.
- 11. The method according to paragraph 10, wherein detaching the stomal sleeve from
the tissue contact surface of the anvil is effected by an annular knife of the shell
assembly.
- 12. The method according to paragraph 9, cutting the second end portion of the stomal
sleeve to separate the second end portion of the stomal sleeve from the anvil assembly
assembly.
1. A stapling device comprising;
a tool assembly including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly, the anvil assembly
having an anvil shaft and an anvil head having an annular configuration supported
on the anvil shaft, the anvil head defining a first tissue contact surface and including
an annular array of staple deforming pockets positioned about the first tissue contacting
surface, the shell assembly including a staple cartridge defining a second tissue
contact surface having an annular array of staple receiving pockets, the tool assembly
being movable from an unapproximated position in which the anvil assembly is spaced
from the staple cartridge to an approximated position in which the tissue contacting
surfaces of the anvil assembly and the staple cartridge are in closer juxtaposed alignment;
and
a stomal sleeve having a tubular configuration, the stomal sleeve having a first end
portion secured to the first tissue contacting surface of the anvil head radially
inwardly of the annular array of staple deforming pockets and a second end portion
secured to a distal surface of the anvil head.
2. The stapling device of claim 1, wherein the cartridge assembly includes an annular
knife that is movable from a retracted position recessed within the staple cartridge
to an advanced position in contact with the anvil head.
3. The stapling device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein in the advanced position of the
annular knife, the annular knife is positioned to engage the stomal sleeve at a location
adjacent the first end portion.
4. The stapling device of claim 3, wherein the second end portion of the stomal sleeve
is closed.
5. The stapling device of claim 4, wherein the first end portion of the stomal sleeve
defines an opening.
6. The stapling device of any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the stomal sleeve is formed from
a non-degradable, bio-compatible, pliable material.
7. The stapling device of claim 5, wherein the stomal sleeve is formed from a polymeric
material.
8. The stapling device of claim 6, wherein the first and second end portions of the stomal
sleeve are secured to the anvil head using adhesive.
9. A method of attaching a stomal sleeve to a stoma using a circular stapling device
comprising:
inserting a tool assembly of the circular stapling device into a stoma with a stomal
sleeve attached to an anvil assembly of the tool assembly, the stomal sleeve having
a first end portion connected to a tissue contact surface of the anvil assembly and
a second end portion attached to a distal face of an anvil head;
positioning dermal and intestinal tissue into a tissue gap defined between a staple
cartridge of a shell assembly of the tool assembly and the anvil assembly;
approximating the shell assembly of the tool assembly with the anvil assembly to clamp
the dermal and intestinal tissue between the shell and anvil assemblies;
firing the circular stapling device to secure the first end portion of the stomal
sleeve to the dermal and intestinal tissue;
withdrawing the circular stapling device from the stoma to withdraw a second end portion
of the stomal sleeve from the stoma; and
disengaging the second end portion of the stomal sleeve from the anvil head of the
anvil assembly such that the second end of the stomal sleeve is positioned externally
of the stoma.
10. The method according to claim 9, further including detaching the stomal sleeve from
the tissue contact surface of the anvil assembly.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein detaching the stomal sleeve from the tissue
contact surface of the anvil is effected by an annular knife of the shell assembly.
12. The method according to any of claims 9 to 11, cutting the second end portion of the
stomal sleeve to separate the second end portion of the stomal sleeve from the anvil
assembly assembly.